How Hard Is The Hike Up The Grand Canyon South Kaibab?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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With no water and little shade along the way, you will certainly want to start early to soak in the spectacular views along the route without battling the direct sunlight. Options exist to shorten the trail and not go all the way to the Colorado River.

How long does it take to hike South Kaibab Trail?

Trail Description

The hike down South Kaibab Trail typically takes

4-6 hours

. The trail begins with a series of tight north facing switchbacks.

Is the South Kaibab Trail scary?


This trail feels steep and slippery, and it is to a degree

. You’ll definitely want good shoes, certainly not the flip flops the signs warn you not to wear, but some still did.

How steep is the South Kaibab Trail?

Distance (mi) 4.4
Elv (ft)
4010 Location Trail junction Connecting trails Tonto Trail Toilet Composting

Can you do South Kaibab in one day?


It is possible to do it as one mega day hike if you are extremely fit and fast

. If you hike the South Kaibab and Bright Angel Trail (or vice versa) you are also hiking rim-to-rim, since you start on the rim, hike to the Colorado River, and then hike back up to the rim.

Can you do South Kaibab Trail a day?

1)

It’s do-able, but is REALLY hard

. My girlfriend and I are in our early thirties and fit, but not super fit. We started at 5:30am, went down the South Kaibab trail (took 4 hours), spent maybe 1 hour at Phantom Ranch (where you can get lemonade, snacks, etc.)

Do you need a permit to hike South Kaibab Trail?

A:

A backcountry permit is required for all overnight use of the backcountry

including overnight hiking, overnight horseback riding, overnight cross-country ski trips, off-river overnight hikes by river trip members, and overnight camping at rim sites other than developed campgrounds.

What is the hardest trail in the Grand Canyon?

With 11 miles of waterless exposure and trails just inches from deadly drops, Nankoweap Trail requires skill and nerve to hike. Here are some details about completing this beautiful yet challenging trail within Grand Canyon National Park.

What is the easiest hike in the Grand Canyon?

  • Rim Trail. This is the Big Kahuna of easy walking. …
  • Trail of Time. …
  • Shoshone Point. …
  • South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point. …
  • Cape Royal Trail. …
  • Uncle Jim Trail. …
  • Widforss Trail. …
  • North Kaibab Trail to Coconino Overlook.

How many miles is it to the bottom of the Grand Canyon?

As we said above, the journey to the bottom of Grand Canyon is

10 miles

long, and there is a big elevation change. If you are planning to hike down the Bright Angel Trail, it takes precisely 9.9 miles to reach the floor of the Grand Canyon, where the Bright Angel campground is located.

How long is the South Kaibab Trail Grand Canyon?

For most of its

6.5 mile

length the South Kaibab Trail follows the top of a ridge and so has extensive views along the Grand Canyon in both directions, however there is little shade. The trail descends 4,820 feet in total; there is drinking water at the start and at the river but not in between.

Are Grand Canyon trails safe?

View Grand Canyon Safely

A trip to Grand Canyon can be both fun and safe by keeping these few tips in mind.

Stay on designated trails and walkways and always keep a safe distance if at least six feet (2 m) from the edge of the rim

. In areas where there is a railing or fence, do not climb over the barrier.

Are there bathrooms on South Kaibab Trail?


Restrooms. No water

. First hitching rail. Do not go past this point as a SUMMER day hike.

How long is South Kaibab Trail to Skeleton Point?

In This Guide Turn-by-Turn Hike Directions & Video What to Expect on the Hike to Skeleton Point Tips on Weather, Parking, and Planning for the Hike Total Distance (?) 6 miles (9.7 km) Hike Time

3-4 Hours

(Total)
Difficulty (?) Hard Total Ascent (?) 2,060 feet (628m)

How long is South Kaibab Trail to Phantom Ranch?

The South Kaibab Trail to Phantom Ranch is about

7.1 miles

with 4400 foot of elevation change. It is easily doable in one morning IF you are in good shape and accustomed to desert hiking.

Can you hike up South Kaibab Trail?

South Kaibab – North Rim “Rim to Rim” Backpacking Trip (3-4 days)

This thru-hike backpacking trip can be done South to North, or North to South

. Stops are Bright Angel Campground and Cottonwood Campground. If you’d like to do a 4-day trip, you can do a layover day at either campground.

Can you drive to the South Kaibab Trailhead?


You can’t drive to the trailhead yourself

. Directly from the National Park Service: There is no visitor parking at the South Kaibab trailhead. Located on the South Rim, access to South Kaibab trailhead is by shuttle bus only, NO private vehicles allowed.

Which trail is steeper Bright Angel or South Kaibab?

The

South Kaibab trail is a bit steeper

, covering more elevation over a shorter distance. The ascent up Bright Angel is longer in terms of distance, but more gradual and (slightly) less strenuous.

Do you need a permit to hike the Grand Canyon rim to rim?

Quick tips for the Rim to Rim hike of the Grand Canyon: Day hike it –

no permit required

. Tips include starting very early, sitting out the hottest part of the day in the shade, bringing plenty of sweet and salty snacks.

How hard is it to hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon?

Hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon


The trip is strenuous and requires a good level of physical fitness and adequate preparation

. Depending on which trail you choose, the distance is roughly 15.5km (9.5 mi) from the rim to the river, with an elevation change of over 1,300m (4,300 ft).

Can you hike the Grand Canyon in one day?


Many options are available for day hikers

. Both the South Rim and the North Rim offer rim trail hikes that have spectacular views of the inner canyon, some on paved trails. Or you can choose to day hike into the canyon. Permits are not required for non-commercial day hikes.

Can you stay overnight at the bottom of the Grand Canyon?

Staying Overnight

Phantom Ranch, at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, is a popular destination for both hikers and mule riders.

Overnight hiker dormitories and cabins can be reserved and meals are available for purchase

. Advance reservations for meals and lodging at Phantom Ranch are required.

Can you hike the Grand Canyon without a guide?


You don’t need to take a tour

. When you enter the park you get a park newspaper with all the ncessary information. There’s also a tourist center, and there are rangers along the rim who’ll provide information and answer questions. Grand Canyon National Park South Rim is a “Do it Yourself” place for visitors.

How hard is Barr Trail?

The Pikes Peak Barr Trail is

one of the most difficult hikes you will find in the Pikes Peak region

. It is an advanced level trail because of the 12+ mile distance to the Pikes Peak Summit and its 7,800 feet altitude gain.

Is North Kaibab trail scary?

We did this trail as we were staying in the North Rim Campground and it was short driving distance away.

The first 3 miles were okay with constant switchbacks, but the next 2 were scary with few hundred feet drop offs with trail being few feet wide.

What is the scariest hike in America?

  • Chinitna Bay, Lake Clark National Park, Alaska. …
  • Barr Trail, Pikes Peak, Colorado. …
  • Jack Mountain, North Cascades National Park, Washington. …
  • Presidential Traverse, New Hampshire. …
  • Denali, Denali National Park, Alaska. …
  • The Maze, Canyonlands National Park, Utah.
Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.